This
badge was required for the Arrow of Light and was traditionally a Second Year
badge. With the recent changes to the program, this badge is now required by
name for the Webelos Badge and so must be earned in the First Year. CD

Be sure to check out last month’s Baloo for excellent
ideas for this badge from Baltimore Area Council and others. Commissioner Dave

Objectives

Longhorn Council

·To foster citizenship in WEBELOS Scouts.

·To teach boys to recognize the qualities of a good
citizen.

·To introduce boys to the structure of the U.S.
government.

·To familiarize boys with basics of American
history.

·To convince boys that laws are beneficial.

·To encourage WEBELOS Scouts to become community
volunteers.

The
Citizen activity badge relates directly to developing responsible citizens, one
of the prime purposes of the BSA. The appeal of this badge will be determined
in a large part by the method used by the Webelos Leader in presenting it. It
can be fun and exciting, or it can just be some more reports to write. Do your
best in planning the program.

The
Webelos leader should plan carefully so that boys get a feeling for the real
meaning of citizenship without spending a lot of time in study. There are
various ways to do this. You might give them the opportunity to get a close
look at government by planning a field trip to a local government agency or
court. One of the best ways to stress the meaning of good citizenship is by
practicing the good turn. This should be a "must" for every boy. Working on
this badge can be exciting, fun and informative, or it can be just more reports
to write.

Good
citizenship is emphasized throughout Scouting. Being a good citizen means
helping other people, knowing the history of our country, appreciating the
contributions and sacrifices of others who have made our country better, knowing
our public officials, understanding how our government works, obeying the laws,
and doing things that will benefit the community.

The
Citizen activity badge is important since the work involved relates directly to
developing responsible citizens, one of the primary aims of the Boy Scouts of
America. The Citizen activity badge is a requirement for the Arrow of Light
Award. It is the first of several citizenship requirements on the trail to
Eagle Scout. By completing this activity badge, all of the requirements for the
Boy Scout Citizenship skill award can also be met.

Webelos Scouts get a feeling for the
real meaning of citizenship in two ways. First by getting a closer look at local
government by going to see it in action. Second. and most effective, by
practicing good citizenship through Good Turns. The Good Turn is one of the
optional requirements for the activity badge, but it should be a way of life for
all Scouts.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE FLAG AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Circle Ten Council

Circle the best answer:

Saying “I pledge” means

I promise I
care I believe

When we pledge allegiance to the flag,
we are promising to help to keep our country

happy
free on the go

Being loyal to our country means we
are willing to help with our country's

problems presents
overthrow

Allegiance means being

kind
brave loyal

This person helped design and sew the
first American flag

Betsy Ross Abigail Adams Dolly Madison

The American flag has how many stripes

13
50 15

The first American flag had the stars
in a

triangle
circle square

The American flag has one star for
every

state
country region

The pole on which the flag is hung is
called the

rod
staff state

The blue part of the American flag is
called the

field
staff sky

The American flag should be held at
what level with the state flag

higher
lower even

The flag should be raised with
respect. What speed should the flag be raised

Fast
slowly moderate

If the flag gets dirty it must be

laundered burned nothing is
done

The American flag should be folded

In a triangle like a tablecloth like a tee
shirt

To respect the flag one should salute
and

stand sit down
bow

IDENTIFY THE PARTS OF A FLAG

Circle Ten Council

You probably should copy this picture from the Word
doc and enlarge it for your Webelos. CD

Turn your Webelos into active young
citizens with this project. Cover part of a wall with this diagram on a large
sheet (or several sheets) of white paper.

The first
week, have the boys list ways they can make their den a better place. Then
challenge each boy to perform one act of good citizenship within the den that
week and record it on the circle.

The
following week, concentrate on ways they can improve the school, After
discussing possibilities, have the boys carry out a proposal and write it on the
circle.

Next,
expand to the neighborhood. Then ask the boys to look in the local newspapers
for articles about people who displayed good citizenship in the community. Tape
the articles around the circle. Invite volunteers to speak to the class about
the different ways they give their time and resources to help others in the
community.

Ask your
boys to think of ways they could volunteer their services in the community.
Encourage family involvement. Finally, complete the circle by having the boys
write in the ways they expanded their citizenship responsibilities to their
community. Display at pack meeting.

Materials found in Baloo's
Bugle may be used by Scouters for Scouting activities provided that
Baloo's Bugle and the original contributors are cited as the source of the
material.